It was so near but so far for the Reid Grazing Wanganui Under-13 girls team after they were denied 1-0 by Wellington Under-13 in the Rawleighs Regional Championship final at Gonville Domain yesterday.
Wanganui dominated possession and territory, especially at the back end of the second half, but could notconvert with about five penalty corners, after they conceded a goal off a ricochet in their shooting circle shortly after the resumption.
The girls from the capital defended their goal doggedly throughout the half, leaving few openings, but a couple of Wanganui shots or passes to attackers on the corner post were denied by mere centimetres.
"We've played good hockey all week, so super proud of the girls. They've put their guts in," said coach Aaron Manville.
"Our goal was top four at the start so top two is a good result."
Key player Rebecca Baker got through a tonne of work but could also get isolated, as showing the skill to beat two players is commendable while trying for three is pushing luck.
Libbey Abbott got away some good passes while Charlotte Spence swung right to the post for a good Baker pass but just couldn't latch on.
Baker's strike after the fourth penalty corner was heart-stoppingly close with the Wellington keeper out of position, while Margie Hazelhurst also had her moments.
But Wellington stopped everything, even after losing a player to a yellow card, and managed to get back on attack in the dying minutes to keep Wanganui out of striking distance.
Manville said next year would be another rebuilding phase with six of the players, including the entire midfield, moving up to under-15s.
